The alleged coup plotters told the court that they planned to cut off the electricity supply to Aso Rock

One of the alleged coup plotters, Zekeri Umoru, told the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday that they held discussions to cut electricity supply to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to aid the alleged coup.

Umoru, an employee of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in the Maintenance Department at the Presidential Villa, spoke in video evidence played in court.

The defendant admitted that he warned that this action would immediately trigger an investigation and detention of the workers on duty if carried out.

He revealed this when questioned by several members of the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) which first investigated the case.

He accused Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, the alleged mastermind of the coup, of offering him money, through Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, the 3rd accused, to recruit between 18 and 19 people to work inside the Villa.

Umoru said those to be recruited included soldiers, Department of State Services (DSS) officials and Julius Berger staff.

He also told investigators that Ma’aji allegedly said he wanted access to the Presidential Villa and could achieve it “by force,” even if those recruited from within refused to cooperate.

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He claimed that Inspector Ibrahim then demanded N100 million from Ma’aji to facilitate the operation via ambulance route to the Villa, but Ma’aji refused on the grounds that the amount was excessive.

He said Ma’aji insisted that he could still gain access to the Presidential Villa by force, even though “there would be bloodshed.”

Umoru said he felt uncomfortable with the alleged plot and repeatedly tried to return the money given to him.

The defendant said he felt that accessing the Presidential Villa “was not child’s play.”

He denied ever having access to the solar power plant at the Villa despite allegations that he planned to sabotage the electricity supply within the complex.

Regarding the reason he did not immediately report the alleged discussion to the authorities, Umaru said he was disappointed with Ibrahim who allegedly asked him to delete the messages and avoid contacting Ma’aji because there was an ongoing audit at their office.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned your case until Thursday for the continuation of the hearings held to determine whether the statements of the six defendants were voluntary or not.

The Federal Government has charged the defendants with 13 criminal counts.

The defendants are accused of offenses ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering related to terrorism financing.

Those named in the indictment are Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd), Cap. (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd), Insp Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukr Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is suspected of being involved in this action, is currently still at large.